"Hi, my name is Khushi Patel! I’m from Atlanta, Georgia, and I’m a senior at Mercer University, where I’m earning a degree in neuroscience with minors in chemistry and biology."
"I’m so excited to share my summer school experience with you!
I had the incredible opportunity to study at VU Amsterdam for an entire month, and I feel so blessed to have been there. Each morning, my friends and I, who were also staying at the same place, would bicycle to school. It was such a refreshing way to start the day, surrounded by the beauty of Amsterdam. Once we arrived at the university, we’d secure our bikes and head to our classes.
Every morning, I was greeted by the kindest security guard, who would cheerfully say “goedemorgen” (good morning in Dutch). It was such a small gesture, but it made me feel welcomed and excited to start the day.
For the first two weeks, I took the Human AI course, which was a graduate-level class. Our professor was one of the most genuine and encouraging people I’ve ever met. Since I and two other students were undergraduates, we initially struggled with some of the programs, but our professor was incredibly patient. He took the time to guide us, ensuring we never felt out of place. His encouragement taught us that making mistakes is part of the learning process and that persistence is key.
In the second week of the course, we had the opportunity to write a research paper related to what we learned. With his guidance, my partner and I submitted our paper to an international conference, and it’s now being published! This was such an unexpected and rewarding experience. I still keep in touch with this professor, even though it’s been over four months since my time in Amsterdam.
After class each day, my friends and I would bike back to our rooms at Hotel Jansen. We’d drop off our belongings and hop on Tram 2 to explore the city. Amsterdam is full of charming vintage stores, bustling markets, and unique thrift shops. During my time there, I discovered so many new things I loved to do. The friendships I made in Amsterdam have lasted beyond the program; in fact, I’m planning to visit one of my friends soon!
Studying abroad at VU Amsterdam opened doors I never imagined. Beyond academics, I had the chance to experience unforgettable adventures—like attending a Coldplay concert in Düsseldorf, Germany, just a short 2.5-hour trip away, and visiting Rome, Italy on a weekend. But no matter where I went, Amsterdam held a special place in my heart. There’s something about the city that made me feel completely free and at peace. I cherished every second of my time there, and if I could, I’d move back to Amsterdam in a heartbeat."
